Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Monday launched the headquarters of its elite anti-terror commando force Octopus (Organisation For Counter Terrorist Operations).
Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy inaugurated the headquarters of Octopus, formed on the lines of National Security Guard (NSG) to counter terrorist attacks.
The force will comprise 250 commandos, who will be deployed in key cities of the state. About 100 personnel would deal with any threat to the famous temple in Tirupati.
Built at the cost of Rs.5 crore in Begupmet area here, the Octopus headquarters is equipped with the state-of-the-art conference hall and the communication networking.
The Octopus comprises Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, equipped with imported weapons. The chief minister inspected the sophisticated weapons and equipment of the force.
The commandos also gave a demonstration of their skills in house intervention, hostage rescue and Israeli combat technique Krav Maga before the chief minister, Home Minister Sabita Indra Reddy, Director General of Police Dinesh Reddy and others.
Kiran Kumar Reddy also reviewed the works related to the construction of the commando training centre of Octopus at Ibrahimpatnam on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
IANS
